Watch Local: Z Channel

ABOUT THE SERIES:

In 1974, a cultural phenomenon emerged that changed Los Angeles cineaste culture forever. L.A. cinephiles rejoiced as Z Channel entered the zeitgeist, resurrecting obscure pictures from arthouse flicks and world cinema to schlocky B movies and classic Hollywood films. This May, the American Cinematheque is thrilled to present a special ‘Watch Local’ series dedicated to the cable channel that influenced a generation of film lovers and filmmakers alike while popularizing the concept of “Director’s Cut” versions. Under the direction of programmer Jerry Harvey, Z Channel unveiled a new world of cinematic excellence to its viewers, including Penelope Spheeris’ essential punk doc THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION, Sam Peckinpah’s neo-western BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA and the Director’s Cut of Sergio Leone’s gangster epic ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA. As part of our celebration of Z Channel, we’re excited to welcome filmmaker Stuart Cooper to participate in a Q&A after a screening of his hauntingly beautiful OVERLORD. Cooper will also join us for a centerpiece panel and screening of Z CHANNEL: A MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION, the riveting documentary about the cable channel, with filmmaker Xan Cassavetes, Vera Anderson and producers Rick Ross and Marshall Persinger. A screening of Michael Cimino’s THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT will be included in remembrance of Z Channel’s resident film critic and consultant F.X. Feeney who introduced the film at the Egyptian Theatre in 2016 as part of our ‘Remembering Michael Cimino’ series.